Music Makers Encyclopedia: F

Click on a letter to choose a recording act (“S” for Bruce Springsteen, “B” for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards (see more here), short bios for select acts (generally taken or adapted from Joel Whitburn’s Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to all albums reviewed here at the DMDB.

One of the 1950s most popular singers. At age 18, he was singing with Buddy Morrow’s band, and in 1949 got his first nationwide exposure on Eddie Cantor’s radio show. A year later he was a popular sensation. Married to Debbie Reynolds, then Elizabeth Taylor. Appeared in several ‘50s movies and his own TV series.

Song(s):

I'm Walking Behind You (1953)

Album(s):

I’m in the Mood for Love (1952)

Fred Fisher

Fisk Jubilee Singers

Song(s):

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (1909)
fcoa

Damon Che Fitzgerald

The most honored jazz singer of all time. Discovered after winning the Harlem Amateur Hour in 1934, she was hired by Chick Webb and in 1938 created a popular sensation with “A-Tisket, A-Tasket”. Following Chick’s death in 1939, Ella took over the band for three years. Winner of the Down Beat poll as top female vocalist more than 20 times, she remains among the undisputed royalty of 20th century popular music.

Detroit R&B vocal group formed in 1953 as the Four Aims. First recorded for Chess in 1956, then Red Top and Columbia, before signing with Motown in 1963. Group had no personnel changes since its formation.

Song(s):

David “Panama” Francis

J.L. Frank

Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Song(s):

R&B singer known as “The Queen of Soul.” Her father was a Baptist preacher and Aretha got her start in the church choir, first recording as a gospel artist from 1956-60. Signed with Columbia Records in 1960 and recorded secular music. Went to Atlantic Records in 1966 and Arista Records in 1980.

Andy Fraser

Stan Freberg

Album(s):

Free

Song(s):

Album(s):

American radio DJ credited with coining the term “rock and roll.” He came to Cleveland’s WXEL-TV in April 1950 and began his late-night, rock-n-roll-themed Moondog show on WJW radio in July 1951. He went to New York in 1954 and left the business in 1959 after involvement in a payola scandal.

Song(s):

Album(s):

George Furth

Album(s):

Futureheads

Song(s):

Song(s):

Seasons (Waiting on You (2014)

Click on a letter to choose a recording act (“S” for Bruce Springsteen, “B” for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards (see more here), short bios for select acts (generally taken or adapted from Joel Whitburn’s Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to all albums reviewed here at the DMDB.